PITTSBURGH – When the skidding Padres got to Pittsburgh this week, shortstop Khalil Greene happily strayed to rural scenes of his early childhood, visiting relatives some 30 miles away, where Greene lived until age 5.

LOS ANGELES – Cara-Beth Burnside hates the stereotype. Female, late 30s. So what's she doing strapping on a helmet and pads, swooping down the 18-foot vert ramp atop her skateboard, ripping off tricks?

When you meet Vincent Jackson, the first thing you notice is that you have to find a ladder just to shake his hand. He's a wide receiver in tight end's clothing. Then you talk to him, and you realize this is no ordinary young man. His demeanor, his polish, the way he handles himself in an interview, all suggest stage actor more than pass catcher.